It is unclear who first proposed the communications channel, but the people familiar with the meeting said the idea was to have Mr. Flynn speak directly with a senior military official in Moscow to discuss Syria and other security issues. The communications channel was never set up, the people said.

Does that change the WaPo’s story dramatically? Opinions vary:

This is foolish, wrong & dumb. It's likely too dumb to be a crime. Maybe they didn't trust O Admin to set it up, but it sure is dumb. https://t.co/AlDTHoyTYR